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~ Board of Directors ~
Nicci Kincer :: President
president@metroeastprideswi.org
president@metroeastprideswi.org
I was born and raised in Granite City, IL and graduated from Granite City Senior High School in 1992. I came out at 14 and was one of the first members of Growing American Youth, (when it was still meeting in the basement of MCC in St. Louis). I have always loved the LGBT+ community. Like many other gay youth, the men and women of the community became my family in a time when my blood family couldn't be there for me. Now I have the opportunity and privilege to give back to my community. I look forward to working on community building projects that MEPSI has coming in the future.
Jameson-Micheal Hand :: Vice President
vp@metroeastprideswi.org
Originally raised in Illinois, a town called Brighton. Born in May of 1993. Proud Transgender Man. Jameson-Micheal Hand.
Some of my life’s accomplishments include being a High School graduate of Southwestern IL; being a Culinary Arts Honor graduate from Le Cordon Bleu of St. Louis; MEPSI King of Pride for 2016; St. Louis King of Pride 2017, as well as being Happily Married to the most wonderful woman.
Coming from a small town, I realized how important it is to bring awareness to the LGBTQIA Community. From a graduating class of only 125 people, I was considered an outcast, freak, dirty, and many other horrible things because I was out at the age of 13. A lot of people were bullies to me, verbally and mentally. As soon as I was graduated in 2011, I ventured into St. Louis. Long story short, I became a drag king. You're looking at SIR LIXALOT! Drag has opened a lot of doors for me to adventure through and experience things I never thought were possible. Perfect example, would me being part of a wonderful organization called Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI).
I’m your Vice President for MEPSI. I believe that it is important to come together as a community to grow, educate and be strong together. If it’s one thing that I’ve learned in these couple decades, it’s that We can be One together and there is always strength in numbers. I am with MEPSI to make a difference in the small towns that have closed minds; to reach out to the Youth in need; to educate those who need to be educated; to be the voice of those who can’t speak for themselves or are being held back from it. I want to be here for my community because my community is here for me.
Some of my life’s accomplishments include being a High School graduate of Southwestern IL; being a Culinary Arts Honor graduate from Le Cordon Bleu of St. Louis; MEPSI King of Pride for 2016; St. Louis King of Pride 2017, as well as being Happily Married to the most wonderful woman.
Coming from a small town, I realized how important it is to bring awareness to the LGBTQIA Community. From a graduating class of only 125 people, I was considered an outcast, freak, dirty, and many other horrible things because I was out at the age of 13. A lot of people were bullies to me, verbally and mentally. As soon as I was graduated in 2011, I ventured into St. Louis. Long story short, I became a drag king. You're looking at SIR LIXALOT! Drag has opened a lot of doors for me to adventure through and experience things I never thought were possible. Perfect example, would me being part of a wonderful organization called Metro East Pride of Southwestern Illinois (MEPSI).
I’m your Vice President for MEPSI. I believe that it is important to come together as a community to grow, educate and be strong together. If it’s one thing that I’ve learned in these couple decades, it’s that We can be One together and there is always strength in numbers. I am with MEPSI to make a difference in the small towns that have closed minds; to reach out to the Youth in need; to educate those who need to be educated; to be the voice of those who can’t speak for themselves or are being held back from it. I want to be here for my community because my community is here for me.
Randy Elser :: Secretary
secretary@metroeastprideswi.org
Originally from Belleville, I reside in Freeburg. I'm a graduate of Saint Louis University where I earned my BSBA in Finance and an MBA. I own Elser Interactive, a small business specializing in online promotions and marketing services. I've been in business since 2004. Prior to that, I worked for American Redemption Systems and CheckMark Communications/Nestlé Purina PetCare Company where I held various marketing, finance and management positions.
I'm very active in my community including Kiwanis Club of Freeburg Area, Marissa Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Gibault Men’s Club. I'm also active with my alma mater and a member of the Business School Alumni, Billiken Club and DuBourg Society.
I'm very active in my community including Kiwanis Club of Freeburg Area, Marissa Chamber of Commerce, St. Joseph Catholic Church and Gibault Men’s Club. I'm also active with my alma mater and a member of the Business School Alumni, Billiken Club and DuBourg Society.
Kristen Broyles :: Treasurer
treasurer@metroeastprideswi.org
Bio Coming Soon....
Bio Coming Soon....
Michelle Fienup :: Board Member
(Volunteer Coordinator)
michelle@metroeastprideswi.org
Bio Coming Soon....
John Johnson aka Ravyn Winters :: Board Member
(Entertainment Director/ Drag Liaison )
john@metroeastprideswi.org
Hi. My name is John Johnson. You may also know me as Ravyn Winters. I was born in St. Louis, Mo. and raised in Cahokia, IL until I was fifteen. In 1999, after a devastating house fire, my family and I moved to Belleville, IL where I have lived ever since.
In 2003, I graduated from Belleville West High School. From there, I went on to graduate from Midwest Institute of Massage Therapy. In August of 2005, I debuted my drag persona at the Grey Fox Pub in St. Louis, Mo. Since then, I have gone on to capture the titles of Miss Gay Western Illinois 2010, the first alternate to Miss Gay Heart of Missouri America 2012 and most recently, I was crowned Queen of Metro East Pride 2017.
Over the years, I have worked with many different charities and organizations to not only raise funds, but to raise awareness.
Now, it is my absolute honor to be a Board Member for Metro East Pride.
In 2003, I graduated from Belleville West High School. From there, I went on to graduate from Midwest Institute of Massage Therapy. In August of 2005, I debuted my drag persona at the Grey Fox Pub in St. Louis, Mo. Since then, I have gone on to capture the titles of Miss Gay Western Illinois 2010, the first alternate to Miss Gay Heart of Missouri America 2012 and most recently, I was crowned Queen of Metro East Pride 2017.
Over the years, I have worked with many different charities and organizations to not only raise funds, but to raise awareness.
Now, it is my absolute honor to be a Board Member for Metro East Pride.
Megan Leetham :: Board Member
megan@metroeastprideswi.org
Hey y’all! My name is Megan. Most people say that I have a huge personality, but I think I am just your normal loud, outgoing, Batman loving, small town girl. When I say small town, I was born and raised in Staunton, Illinois. I believe there are more cows than people, but I can’t say for sure lol. I used to be a quiet girl, but then I really found myself when I was in college. I went through the radio broadcasting program at Lewis and Clark and my personality came right out (unlike me). I met some cool people while doing this. I interned at Y98 my last semester and I got to meet my idol, DELILAH! I also got to meet Hanson, Plain White T’s and Andy Grammar, but the most meaningful relationships were my friends who later became my best friends! They let me be me and gave me courage to be myself. I finally came out in 2011. It was a tough time, but during that journey, I have truly found myself. I want to be there for people who have a struggle to come out and be themselves. I want to show them that it may be a rocky start, but eventually, it will be ok. This is one of the biggest reasons I joined the MEPSI Board. I am excited to be a part of this family and do great things within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Tamara Vowell :: Board Member
tamara@metroeastprideswi.org
I’m Tamara, an out and proud mother, grandmother, daughter, sister and friend. I am a community and political activist who calls Belleville home. By joining MEPSI, my goal is to help the board grow in our community outreach endeavors. I want to give back to the LGBTQIA+ community that I have been a part of for the past 32 years. The world has changed so much since I came out in the 80’s. I will be the voice to make sure the organizations efforts are not just focused on our young community. I will be a voice for all to make sure they are included and feel supported and welcomed.
My top priority for my tenure, includes reaching senior members of our community who might be alone. Ideally, having the younger generation and older community members mingle together, we can welcome each other. This will help foster feelings of support, inclusion and acceptance. I have been so fortunate to be able to give back and paying it forward is the right thing to do.
My top priority for my tenure, includes reaching senior members of our community who might be alone. Ideally, having the younger generation and older community members mingle together, we can welcome each other. This will help foster feelings of support, inclusion and acceptance. I have been so fortunate to be able to give back and paying it forward is the right thing to do.
Jesse White :: Board Member
(Community Outreach Coordinator)
jesse@metroeastprideswi.org
Bio Coming Soon....